Research Results
The Afrino Breeders' Society is working in close co-operation with animal breeding scientists and selection programmes are based on scientific results.
Several research projects on Afrino sheep are being done or have been completed by the Department of Agriculture. The Afrino flock at the Carnarvon Experimental Station consists of 200 breeding ewes and is used primarily for the investigation of suitable selection criteria for Afrino sheep under extensive conditions.
Research results obtained in this Afrino flock, run under similar conditions as in which the majority of Afrinos have to produce and reproduce commercially, are applied in practice. For example, the Afrino is the first South African sheep breed in which the separation of ram and ewe selection objectives had been investigated and applied. Rams are selected on growth and fleece traits and ewes on reproductive traits, which incorporates fertility and mothering ability.
Contact Dr Gretha Snyman for information on breeding programmes for Afrino sheep.
Scientific Production And Reproduction Norms Average production of Afrino ram and ewe lambs under extensive conditions in the Carnarvon Afrino flock (1975 - 1994)
| Trait | Rams | Ewes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth weight (kg) | 5.0 | 4.7 |
| 100-day weaning weight (kg) | 30.8 | 28.4 |
| 8-month body weight (kg) | 41.4 | 37.1 |
| 12-month body weight (kg) | 56.7 | 47.9 |
| 18-month body weight (kg) | 60.0 | 48.3 |
| 16-month clean fleece weight (kg) | 2.05 | 1.97 |
| 16-month fibre diameter | 21.5 | 21.6 |
| Average daily gain from birth to 100 days (g/day) | 216 | 202 |
Average performance of reproducing Afrino ewes under extensive conditions in the Carnarvon Afrino flock (1985 - 1996)
| Body weight | 60.0kg |
|---|---|
| Raw fleece weight | 2.90 kg |
| Clean fleece weight | 1.80 kg |
| Fibre diameter | 21.8 |
| Clean yield percentage | 62.0 % |
| Staple length | 76.6 cm |
| Lambs born/ewe mated | 142 % |
| Lambs born/ewe lambing | 152 % |
| % Stillborn lambs | 3.4 % |
| Lamb survival rate | 94 % |
| Lambs weaned/ewe mated | 137 % |
| Milk production 4 weeks post partum | 2.9 litre/day (1995) |
| Milk production 8 weeks post partum | 2.0 litre/day (1995) |
| Total weight of lamb weaned/ewe/year | 40.7 kg |
Average growth and slaughter traits for Afrino lambs at Carnarvon (1986 - 1991)
| Slaughter weight | 42.1 kg |
|---|---|
| Average daily gain (birth to slaughter) | 184 g/day |
| Age at slaughter | 223 days |
| Carcass weight | 19.8 kg |
| Dressing percentage | 47.1 % |
Genetic Improvement Of The Carnarvon Afrino Flock:
By utilising performance testing information, it was possible to genetically increase body weight and lifetime total weight of lamb weaned, while simultaneously decrease fibre diameter in the Carnarvon Afrino flock.
Genetic trends in fibre diameter, weaning weight and lifetime total weight of lamb weaned in the Carnarvon Afrino flock.
Return to the home page.
